There are so many Halls of Fame in the music world that it can be difficult to keep track of them.
Of course, there’s the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Another popular one is the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
But don’t overlook the Musicians Hall of Fame. Located in Nashville, the facility aims to honor the very best musicians, especially those who work behind the scenes creating and playing music for others.
Here’s an introduction to the Musicians Hall of Fame, followed by the complete list of inductees by year, and a glimpse at some of the exhibits on display at the Hall of Fame museum.
What is the Musicians Hall of Fame?
The Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum can be found in downtown Nashville, Tennessee. It was founded by musiciand producer Joe Chambers, with the goal of honoring the often-unsung session players, touring musicians, producers, and engineers who have helped to shape music.
The museum officially opened to the public in 2006, with its first class of inductees recognized in 2007.
Unlike many music halls of fame that focus primarily on performers or stars, the Musicians Hall of Fame places special emphasis on the working musicians behind the scenes. This includes legendary studio groups like the Wrecking Crew, the Funk Brothers, and the Nashville A-Team, as well as individual instrumentalists, arrangers, producers, and technical innovators.
Though the Hall is based in Nashville, inductees span a range of genres, from country to rock to jazz to blues.
Many of the inductees are names that are not well-known to the general public, but they are respected by those working in the music business. And plenty of recognizable singers and bands have been inducted, such as Garth Brooks, Roy Orbison, Toto, Vince Gill.
The Latest Class: 2026 Inductees
As we reported exclusively back in February, the Musicians Hall of Fame was prepping a 2026 inductee class after three years without a class.
That new class was announced and inducted in April 2026. The class was headed by legends Dolly Parton, Michael McDonald, Keith Urban, George Thorogood & the Destroyers, and more.
Full List of Inductees By Year
The Musicians Hall of Fame does not have an induction every year. Typically, classes are inducted every few years.
There is no regular interval for when new classes will be announced.
Here are all of the previous classes.
2007
The Funk Brothers
The Nashville A-Team
The Wrecking Crew
The Blue Moon Boys
The Memphis Boys
The Tennessee Two
2008
Billy Sherrill
The Crickets
Al Kooper
Duane Eddy
The Memphis Horns
Booker T. & the M.G.’s
The Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section & Friends
2009
Chet Atkins
Toto
Victor Feldman
Charlie Daniels
Fred Foster
Billy Cox
Paul Riser
Dick Dale
2014
Barbara Mandrell
Peter Frampton
Randy Bachman
Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble
Corki Casey O’Dell
Velma Smith
Will Lee
Ben Keith
Jimmy Capps
Buddy Guy
Mike Curb
Roy Orbison (special posthumous Iconic Riff Award)
2016
Garth Brooks and his studio musicians The G-Men
Studio musicians from Sigma Sound Studios (Philadelphia)
Don Felder (Iconic Riff award)
Ricky Skaggs
Jerry Reed
Allen Reynolds
Lou Bradley
Ron “Snake” Reynolds
Joe Tarsia
Mark Miller
2019
Bob Taylor
Eddie Bayers
Paul Franklin
John Hobbs
Brent Mason
Michael Rhodes
Owen Bradley
Bob Berryhill
Pat Connolly
Jim Fuller
Ron Wilson
David Briggs
Jerry Carrigan
Norbert Putnam
Terry Thompson
Earl “Peanut” Montgomery
Joe South
Reggie Young
Don Everly
Billy Sherrill
2022
Billy Gibbons
Don McLean
Marty Stuart & The Fabulous Superlatives
Ray Stevens
George Massenburg
James William Guercio
Vince Gill
2023
Ringo Starr
2026
John Boylan
Dann Huff
Nicky Hopkins
Michael McDonald
Dolly Parton
Leland Sklar
George Thorogood & the Destroyers
Keith Urban
The Musicians Hall of Fame Museum in Nashville
Tourists can visit the Musicians Hall of Fame Museum in downtown Nashville.
The museum features interactive exhibits, historic instruments, vintage outfits, and memorabilia from decades of music history.
Ringo Starr was inducted in 2023 during a private ceremony. He then donated the suit he wore on the famous cover of Abbey Road. You can see it in person and stand next to it!
Ringo also donated several of his outfits, and the drum kit he played during the Beatles’ famous performance at Shea Stadium.
There’s also an entire display case of country music awards won by Glen Campbell.
Among the other exhibits and artifacts currently on display: Hand-written lyrics from Tom Petty, guitars played by Chet Atkins, a suit worn by Elvis Presley, and an MTV Video Music Award won by Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band.
The Musicians Hall of Fame Museum has additional exhibits on Jimi Hendrix, Johnny Cash, and the Grammy Awards.
By the way, folks interested in great musicians should also see our list of the best instrumental songs in popular music history.
Who do you think should get inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame next?
Last Updated on May 12, 2026
hall of fame member wally maduzia 2023
Tompall and the Glaser Brothers have been omitted from NASHVILLE HISTORY for all they did for artist and musicians. Most artist and musicians would not be in any of the Hall of Fames had it not been for their stance. What is wrong with you people? Stand up for them like they stood up for you!